A jury in Miami has decided that Tesla must pay $243 million in a case related to a fatal car crash in Florida in 2019. The crash killed a 22-year-old woman named Naibel Benavides Leon and seriously injured Dillon Angulo.
The jury found that Tesla’s Autopilot feature was partly responsible for the accident. They awarded $200 million in punitive damages and $43 million in compensatory damages to the victims’ families.
What Happened in the Crash?
The crash happened when George McGee, the driver of the Tesla, ran through flashing lights, a stop sign, and a T-junction at 62 mph, crashing into a parked Chevrolet Tahoe. McGee admitted he was distracted while looking for his dropped phone and believed the Autopilot would warn him or stop the car if needed. He said, “I trusted the technology too much.”
Why Was Tesla Blamed?
The victims’ lawyer, Brett Schreiber, argued that Tesla’s Autopilot system encourages risky behavior, especially since it doesn’t automatically shut off when drivers are distracted. He also pointed out that the road where the crash occurred wasn’t suitable for Autopilot use, yet the system still worked there.
He also criticized Tesla for calling the system “Autopilot”, saying it gives users the wrong impression that the car can drive itself safely without their attention.
Tesla’s Response
Tesla disagreed with the verdict, calling it “wrong” and saying it could slow down the progress of lifesaving technology. Their lawyer, Joel Smith, said that Tesla clearly tells drivers to stay alert and keep their hands on the wheel. He said the crash was caused by McGee’s distraction and speeding, not the car’s system.
Tesla also said the driver had gone through the same intersection 30 to 40 times before without any issues.
Missing Evidence?
The victims’ lawyers also accused Tesla of hiding or losing important data and video recordings from just before the crash.
Industry Impact
Experts say this case could be a major turning point. Financial analyst Dan Ives said it’s a bad day for Tesla and this big payout might send shockwaves through the car industry.
Car accident lawyer Miguel Custodio added, “This verdict will open the floodgates,” meaning more people might sue Tesla over similar incidents now.
Also See: Volvo India Changes Its Plan: Will Continue Selling Petrol Cars Alongside Electric Vehicles
Conclusion
This is a rare case where Tesla was found legally responsible for a crash involving its Autopilot feature. While Tesla continues to promote self-driving technology, this verdict raises questions about safety, responsibility, and trust in automated systems.
